ISRO launches Technology Experiment Satellite into space

India launches Technology Experiment Satellite which can take pictures with a one-metre resolution.

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December 31, 2001

ISSUE DATE: December 31, 2001

UPDATED: September 18, 2012 16:50 IST

BIG BOY: The GSLV lifts off

For our space scientists it was a year that began none too well.

On March 27, the Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle's flight was aborted one split second before take off. On April 18, they tried again, this time successfully - an achievement that propelled India into the stratospheric club of five powers that have the capability to put communication satellites into orbit.

But much as they might like to, Indian scientists still can't see desi James Bonds mixing business and pleasure, though they did string up a 1.1 tonne satellite 800 km up in space to keep an eye on our lives and times.

The coyly named Technology Experiment Satellite which rode into orbit astride the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle in October can take pictures with a one-metre resolution, so things like white Ambassador cars can be caught on candid camera.

What the camera won't be able to resolve is whether the car contains militants or honest god-fearing MPs from Bihar. Perhaps that is why ISRO head K. Kasturirangan told reporters the country's first such satellite is for "civilian use consistent with our security concerns".

Whatever that means.

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